Thibaut Courtois will return to Chelsea after World Cup, confirms Jose Mourinho

Petr Cech’s future at Chelsea has been cast into doubt after boss Jose Mourinho confirmed Thibaut Courtois will return to Stamford Bridge next season.

The highly-rated Belgian international has spent the last three seasons on loan with Atletico Madrid, where he has helped them win an historic La Liga title, the Europa League, Uefa Super Cup against Chelsea and the Copa del Rey, as well as reach last season’s Champions League final.

But amid reports he would be allowed to remain at the Vicente Calderon next term as part of a deal to take Diego Costa to west London, Mourinho has revealed Courtois forms part of his plans for the coming campaign.

‘When the World Cup in Brazil is over, Courtois will be coming straight back to Stamford Bridge – end of story,’ he told Spanish newspaper Marca.

The revelation from Mourinho surely casts doubt over the future of Chelsea legend Cech, who has been the club’s undisputed number one since his arrival in 2004.

Thibaut Courtois has had a hugely successful three years at Atletico Madrid (Picture: AP)

The 32-year-old, while still widely regarded as one of the top ‘keepers in world football, has seen his form decline from his usual exemplary standards over the past couple of years, while Courtois’ stock has continued to rise, resulting in interest from elite clubs around Europe.

Courtois has made no apologies for his desire to be first-choice next season, wherever he plays his football, and Mourinho may have to bow to his wishes in order to keep the youngster at Stamford Bridge.

But whether Cech, who could still walk in to many top sides in both the Premier League and beyond, would be willing to fight Courtois for the no.1 spot and possibly lose out, remains to be seen.